Smoked Pompano Spread with Cream Cheese
Creamy dip made from smoked pompano fillets blended with cream cheese, mayo, and warm spices. Smoke pompano at 200°F until cooked, cool briefly, then fold into mayo mixture. Adjust texture by mashing with a fork for chunky consistency or using a hand mixer for smooth creaminess. Finish with salt and spice to taste.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless pompano filletssmoked salmon1:1proteinadds fish
similar texture and smoke compatibility
- ½ tbsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground white pepperblack pepper1:1spice
more assertive
- ½ tsp sugar
- 4 oz soft cream cheese
- ½ cup Dukes mayoother mayo1:1condiment
other brands work but Dukes adds slight tang
- Tabasco, a few dashes
- chives, minced(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Smoke the pompano fillets with preferred wood flavor until just cooked, maintaining temperature at 200°F.
- 2
Remove from smoker and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- 3
Add smoked fish, cream cheese, mayo, salt, garlic powder, white pepper, sugar, and Tabasco to a mixing bowl.
- 4
Either mash the fish with a fork into the mayo mix or use a hand mixer on lowest speed, depending on desired texture.
- 5
For larger chunks, avoid over-mixing; for smoother dip, mix to your liking.
- 6
Adjust salt and spice to taste.
Tips
Cool pompano briefly after smoking to handle safely and prevent mayo from breaking.
Reserve some mayo if you prefer creamier spread; 1/4 cup additional available.
Use lowest hand mixer speed to maintain desired texture control.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days.
Prepare through final seasoning adjustment; refrigerate until serving.
Serve chilled or at room temperature with crackers, bread, or vegetable crudites.
Common Mistakes
Over-mix if you want texture with visible fish pieces; stop when chunks remain visible.
Add mayo gradually if consistency seems too thick; easier to loosen than thicken.
Skip cooling step and mayo breaks from residual fish heat; allow proper cooling time.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
other brands work but Dukes adds slight tang